Functional morphological characteristics of the interdigital sinus in the sheep

The present paper describes two distinct morphological features of ovine interdigital sinus, which were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy. In the sweat glandular component, acini with epithelial cells exhibiting a paved appearance and apocrine secretion were observed. In the same gland, other acini with cells exhibiting different luminal surfaces and simultaneous apocrine and merocrine secretion were recorded. The numerous hairs embedded within the waxy material of the sinus exhibited two types. The first type, with a round profile, had a special leaflet structure on the tip, whereas the second type had a convex profile. The comparative differences and probable functional relations of these integumentary structures are discussed. The mixed picture of the epithelial cells of the sweat glands suggests the release of different products. The hair microstructure correlated with the mechanism of hold and release of the secretory material of the interdigital sinus. (Folia Morphol 2010; 69, 2: 107-111

Spontana agnatija-otocefalija u janjeta pasmine Chiotiko – prikaz slučaja.

A case of extreme agnathia-otocephaly in a female lamb of the Chiotiko breed was studied from the anatomical point of view and described in the present study. The external and the x-ray examination revealed a total absence of the mandible and associated structures, as well as synotia and synophtalmia-exophthalmia. In the cranial cavity severe brain malformation was observed. Dissection of the body revealed a normal structure with absence of the right kidney and ureter. The purpose of the present study was to provide an anatomic description of the agnathic lamb, to present information regarding the etiologies of this malformation and, to review the relevant literature.Prikazane su anatomske značajke izrazite agnatije-otocefalije u ženskoga janjeta pasmine Chiotiko. Općom pretragom i pretragom x-zrakama nije ustanovljena donja čeljust ni pripadajuće strukture. Uočena je sinotija i sinoftalmija-egzoftalmija. U lubanjskoj šupljini ustanovljene su teške malformacije mozga. Tijelo je bilo normalno građeno, ali je nedostajao desni bubreg i mokraćna cijev. Svrha ovoga prikaza bila je pružiti anatomski opis agnatije u janjeta, raspraviti o etiologiji te malformacije te dati pregled odgovarajuće literature

The mammary gland in small ruminants: major morphological and functional events underlying milk production - a review

The importance of small ruminants to the dairy industry has increased in recent years, especially in developing countries, where it has a high economic and social impact. Interestingly and despite the fact that the mammary gland is the specialised milk production organ, very few authors studied the modifications occurring in the mammary gland through the lactation period in production animals, particularly in the small ruminants, sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus). Nevertheless, understanding the different mammary gland patterns throughout lactation is essential to improve dairy production. In addition, associating these patterns with different milking frequencies, lactation number or different diets is also of high importance, directly affecting the dairy industry. The mammary gland is commonly composed of parenchyma and stroma, which includes the ductal system, with individual proportions of each changing during the different periods and yields in a lactation cycle. Indeed, during late gestation, as well as during early to mid-lactation, mammary gland expansion occurs, with an increase in the number of epithelial cells and lumen area, which leads to increment of the parenchyma tissue, as well as a reduction of stroma, corresponding macroscopically to the increase in mammary gland volume. Throughout late lactation, the mammary gland volume decreases owing to the regression of the secretory structure. In general, common mammary gland patterns have been shown for both goats and sheep throughout the several lactation stages, although the number of studies is limited. The main objective of this manuscript is to review the colostrogenesis and lactogenesis processes as well as to highlight the mammary gland morphological patterns underlying milk production during the lactation cycle for small ruminants, and to describe potential differences between goats and sheep, hence contributing to a better description of mammary gland development during lactation for these two poorly studied specie

Structure, ontogeny and evolution of the patellar tendon in emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) and other palaeognath birds

The patella (kneecap) exhibits multiple evolutionary origins in birds, mammals, and lizards, and is thought to increase the mechanical advantage of the knee extensor muscles. Despite appreciable interest in the specialized anatomy and locomotion of palaeognathous birds (ratites and relatives), the structure, ontogeny and evolution of the patella in these species remains poorly characterized. Within Palaeognathae, the patella has been reported to be either present, absent, or fused with other bones, but it is unclear how much of this variation is real, erroneous or ontogenetic. Clarification of the patella’s form in palaeognaths would provide insight into the early evolution of the patella in birds, in addition to the specialized locomotion of these species. Findings would also provide new character data of use in resolving the controversial evolutionary relationships of palaeognaths. In this study, we examined the gross and histological anatomy of the emu patellar tendon across several age groups from five weeks to 18 months. We combined these results with our observations and those of others regarding the patella in palaeognaths and their outgroups (both extant and extinct), to reconstruct the evolution of the patella in birds. We found no evidence of an ossified patella in emus, but noted its tendon to have a highly unusual morphology comprising large volumes of adipose tissue contained within a collagenous meshwork. The emu patellar tendon also included increasing amounts of a cartilage-like tissue throughout ontogeny. We speculate that the unusual morphology of the patellar tendon in emus results from assimilation of a peri-articular fat pad, and metaplastic formation of cartilage, both potentially as adaptations to increasing tendon load. We corroborate previous observations of a ‘double patella’ in ostriches, but in contrast to some assertions, we find independent (i.e., unfused) ossified patellae in kiwis and tinamous. Our reconstructions suggest a single evolutionary origin of the patella in birds and that the ancestral patella is likely to have been a composite structure comprising a small ossified portion, lost by some species (e.g., emus, moa) but expanded in others (e.g., ostriches)

Effect of electromagnetic field exposure on the reproductive system

The safety of human exposure to an ever-increasing number and diversity of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources both at work and at home has become a public health issue. To date, many in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed that EMF exposure can alter cellular homeostasis, endocrine function, reproductive function, and fetal development in animal systems. Reproductive parameters reported to be altered by EMF exposure include male germ cell death, the estrous cycle, reproductive endocrine hormones, reproductive organ weights, sperm motility, early embryonic development, and pregnancy success. At the cellular level, an increase in free radicals and [Ca2+]i may mediate the effect of EMFs and lead to cell growth inhibition, protein misfolding, and DNA breaks. The effect of EMF exposure on reproductive function differs according to frequency and wave, strength (energy), and duration of exposure. In the present review, the effects of EMFs on reproductive function are summarized according to the types of EMF, wave type, strength, and duration of exposure at cellular and organism levels

Ovine mammary morphology and associations with milk production, milkability and animal selection

In current dairy sheep management, there is a widespread trend to improve the morphology of the udder for machine- and hand-milking ability. The purpose of this review is to present the literature regarding udder morphological traits related to milk production of sheep. The ovine udder consists of two mammary glands. Various techniques have been employed to appraise the mammary morphology and anatomy. Articles referring to all these methods are referred to. The typology and the linear scoring of udders and their measurable variables are described. Non-invasive methods, e.g., ultrasonography or digital image analysis, are assessed. Relationships between morphological and production traits are analyzed. Comparative results of quantitative trait loci detection for udder morphology traits in dairy sheep are included. Papers related to milkability are evaluated within the udder and teat morphological context. Use of mammary morphological traits is recommended in order to improve the morphology of the udder and, accordingly, the milkability of the sheep. Thus, their inclusion in programs of genetic improvement could increase the productivity of the animals. © 2019 Elsevier B.V

Reproductive and developmental effects of EMF in vertebrate animal models

This paper reviews the literature data on the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), in the reproductive organs as well as in prenatal and postnatal development of vertebrate animals. Review articles which have been published till 2001, regarding the reproductive and developmental effects of the entire range of frequency of electromagnetic fields, were surveyed. Experimental studies which were published from 2001 onwards were summarized. Special focus on the effects of radiofrequencies related to mobile communication in the above mentioned topics has been made. According to the majority of the investigations, no strong effects resulted regarding the exposure to EMF of mobile telephony in the animal reproduction and development. However further research should be done in order to clarify many unknown aspects of the impact of EMF in the living organisms. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Functional morphological characteristics of the interdigital sinus in the sheep

The present paper describes two distinct morphological features of ovine interdigital sinus, which were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy. In the sweat glandular component, acini with epithelial cells exhibiting a paved appearance and apocrine secretion were observed. In the same gland, other acini with cells exhibiting different luminal surfaces and simultaneous apocrine and merocrine secretion were recorded. The numerous hairs embedded within the waxy material of the sinus exhibited two types. The first type, with a round profile, had a special leaflet structure on the tip, whereas the second type had a convex profile. The comparative differences and probable functional relations of these integumentary structures are discussed. The mixed picture of the epithelial cells of the sweat glands suggests the release of different products. The hair microstructure correlated with the mechanism of hold and release of the secretory material of the interdigital sinus. (Folia Morphol 2010; 69, 2: 107-111

A review of morphological characteristics relating to the production and reproduction of fat-tailed sheep breeds

The purpose of this study is to survey the literature pertinent to some morphological traits which are related with the production and reproduction of fat-tailed sheep breeds. The fat-tailed breeds were identified according to Food and Agriculture Organization databases. Articles referring to all these sheep breeds were evaluated. The morphology of udders and their measurable variables were collected and described. The particularities of pelt and fleece features which are important from an economic point of view were summarized. Linear, planar, and spatial parameters of body, slaughter, and carcass factors were compared at various ages of breeding. Testicular dimensions and semen characteristics were recorded. Their relationships with productive and reproductive performance were discussed. The pattern of ovarian follicle development and the involution of the genital tract were assessed from the anatomical point of view in normal and untreated animals. The data presented here provide useful baseline information on the normal morphological aspects which are important in the animal production of these breeds